Opinion: Why Sheffield United star’s failure to secure Nottingham Forest switch may have benefitted the player | OneFootball

Sheffield United attacker Iliman Ndiaye was previously seen by Nottingham Forest as the perfect backup option for Morgan Gibbs-White during the summer transfer window, according to journalist Will Unwin.

Although Gibbs-White arrived later than Jesse Lingard at the City Ground, it was the latter that was seemingly recruited as his backup option instead, something Steve Cooper may be regretting considering the former Manchester United man has failed to live up to expectations thus far.

And when you compare Lingard’s record to Ndiaye’s this term, with the Senegal international recording nine goals and two assists in 21 league appearances for the Blades, the Reds may be kicking themselves that they didn’t manage to get a deal over the line for the 22-year-old.

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Not only would he have been a longer-term addition than Lingard – but they could have easily made a profit on him in the future – allowing the East Midlands outfit to remain within financial fair play limits.

United, on the other hand, will be delighted this deal didn’t materialise in the end considering how integral he’s been to their cause this season but how will the player view this failed move?

Considering Lingard has started a respectable number of games this season and has made 13 league appearances, Ndiaye would have been confident of playing just as much as the 29-year-old if he had come in instead considering his versatility and performance levels for club and country during 2022/23 thus far, shining for Senegal in the World Cup before their exit on Sunday evening.

And for that reason, the 22-year-old may be ruing the fact he didn’t make this move because it would have allowed him to compete at the highest level, with Gibbs-White potentially able to help him settle into life at the City Ground following their time together in South Yorkshire last season.

But you have to wonder whether he would have thrived as much at Forest as he has with his current side this term because Blades manager Paul Heckingbottom has known the Senegal international for a considerable period of time and knows how to squeeze the best out of him.

In fairness to Cooper, he also has a good track record of work with young players and has an U17 World Cup win on his CV, but the step up is another thing that has to be considered.

In a new location and in a different league, it would have been much harder for the young attacker to shine and with this, he may not have won his call-up for the World Cup if he had secured a move for Forest, even though he would have been in the top tier.

The City Ground wouldn’t have been the worst destination for the 22-year-old with the Reds having an exciting project going on in the Midlands – but he has been impressive at Bramall Lane this term and may earn a move to the top flight in the summer anyway – with or without his current team.